CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 2, 2010
"Endless fun to pore over for kids and math-minded or geeky adults. (Picture book. 4-9, Adult)"
In Gravett's gifted hands, an old math problem springs to life—and more life and more life!
Read full book review >
CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 1, 2010
"A gem—please, tell us we'll be seeing more of Sasspants! (Graphic fiction. 6-11)"
CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 1, 2010
"Perfectly spectacular. (Picture book. All ages)"
This entirely original book is a strong contender to bring to a desert island, especially as it's two books in one.
Read full book review >
CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 1, 2010
"Undoubtedly one of the cleverest graphic novels of the year; let's hope this isn't the last of Mirka. (Graphic fantasy. 10-14)"
Like all 11-year-old Orthodox Jewish girls, ebullient Mirka must face a six-armed troll to avoid becoming his dinner and obtain a dragon-slaying sword—wait, what?
Read full book review >
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 26, 2010
"Rich, real and utterly engrossing. (Historical fiction. 10-14)"
This sequel to The Georges and the Jewels (2009) is Smiley at her finest—detailed, nuanced, absorbing.
Read full book review >
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 26, 2010
"Genuinely wholesome, packed with affectionate humor, tension and joy. (Historical fiction. 9-12)"
After a childhood spent moving constantly across two countries, Rex wonders why his parents can't settle down.
Read full book review >
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 12, 2010
"Absolutely outstanding. (Historical fiction. 10-16)"
The childhood of African-American literary giant Zora Neale Hurston is brought to life with this fictionalized account.
Read full book review >
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 12, 2010
"Beautiful. (author's note) (Picture book. 4-8)"
As he did in his acclaimed At Gleason's Gym (2007), Lewin conveys the spirit of a Brooklyn institution through sumptuously detailed, luminous watercolors.
Read full book review >
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 12, 2010
"The absolute necessity of story as a way to redemption and healing past wounds is at the heart of this beautiful debut, and readers will cherish every word up to the heartbreaking yet hopeful and deeply gratifying ending. (author's note) (Historical fiction. 10-14)"
When 12-year-old Abilene jumps off the train in Manifest, Kan., in 1936 to stay with her father's boyhood friend, little does she know her sojourn will take her back, via mesmerizing tales, newspaper clippings, curious mementoes and World War I letters, to Manifest as it was in 1918—and into the life of the mysterious boy nicknamed Jinx.
Read full book review >
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 4, 2010
"In this illustrator's world, mind-blowing art comes from accident, if you're brave enough (like Max) to smile and take an awkward leap. (Picture book. 4-10)"
Two lizards, one an unbridled enthusiast and the other a restrained snoot, stumble along a circuitous creative path together, making art through mishap and engaging all kinds of media along the way.
Read full book review >
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2010
"Heavy paper, generous trim, amusing endpapers and, above all, beautifully evoked relationships combine for a winning package. (Picture book. 2-6)"
Burningham and Oxenbury team for a poignant treatment of a preschooler's ambivalence about a forthcoming new sibling.
Read full book review >
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2010
"Brilliantly crafted, thoroughly enjoyable and, though so very like Dahl, unique as a fascinating new way to ponder dreams and memories. (Fiction. 8-12)"
Children's literature has a long history of cruel parents, but Hope Scroggins's are so heartless, they kick their tiny girl Honey out of the car for laughing… and never turn back.
Read full book review >
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2010
"Fresh and wise. (Picture book. 3-7)"
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2010
"Take a moment to mourn the originals, then celebrate this entirely worthy revision. (Nonfiction. 8 & up)"
Significantly updating the Caldecott Honor–winning Castle (1977) and Cathedral (1973) with new text and full-color illustrations, this hefty volume combines them with a very lightly revised Mosque (2003) for a three-in-one architectural spree.
Read full book review >
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2010
"This charming chef-d'oeuvre sings like a mezzo-soprano. (Picture book. 3-10)"
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2010
"Inspiration for scientists and ecologists everywhere. (author's note) (Informational picture book. 5-10)"
In free verse as beautiful as the landscape she describes, Martin tells the ecological plight of the chiru, the tiny antelope-like creatures of the northern plains of Tibet.
Read full book review >
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2010
"Outstanding in every way. (biographical note, author's note, websites, illustrator's note, bibliography, discography) (Picture book/biography. 6-11)"
Golio examines Jimi Hendrix's childhood creativity as a nurtured progression that stoked an explosively influential expression in the '60s.
Read full book review >
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2010
"Charming, classy and current. (Picture book. 3-7)"
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2010
"A triumph. (Fiction. 9-13)"
Fifth grade BFFs Katie-Rose, Yasaman, Violet and Camilla ride again in this stride-hitting second entry in the Flower Power series (Luv Ya Bunches, 2009).
Read full book review >
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 15, 2010
"An interesting and useful commentary on selected sources rounds out another superb volume by a master of his craft. (Biography. 10 & up)"
Against the wishes of father, family and nation, 19-year-old Gilbert de Lafayette bought a ship, escaped France and became the youngest general in the Continental Army, a teenager leaving a young wife and a huge personal fortune to pursue military glory.
Read full book review >
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 14, 2010
"You bet. (Early reader. 4-8)"
Stalwart friends Piggie and Gerald the elephant push the metafictive envelope in a big way when they realize that "someone is looking at us."
Read full book review >
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2010
"Ever eschewing manipulation, it nevertheless could wring tears from stone. (Picture book. 5-10)"
"Abba Jacob was a monk who lived in a hermitage on the island in a faraway sea," reads the opening line of Nelson and Ering's remarkable collaboration, but readers soon discover that the monk does not lead an entirely solitary existence.
Read full book review >
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2010
"A sublime little parable. (Picture book. 4-8)"
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2010
"With a slightly old-fangled atmosphere, expressive line work and balmy watercolors, Pien has created a sense of well being, where all is (mostly) right in the best of worlds. (Picture book. 4-8)"
A day in the life of Mr. Elephanter is a slice from the bygone, when the scale and pace of life didn't require medication. Mr. Elephanter, clearly a mild and loving soul, works at the elephantery, tending a small tribe of elephanties.
Read full book review >
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2010
"A nice introduction to the joys of cooking, as well as a strong bilingual addition to any collection. (Picture book. 4-8)"
A lyrical recipe presented in the form of a free-verse poem, this bilingual (Spanish/English) selection combines the fun of cooking with the tenderness of a mother-son relationship.
Read full book review >
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2010
"The muted palette and variety of panel shapes, sound effects, expressive characters and deadpan humor work in perfect rib-tickling harmony. (Graphic fiction. 7-10)"
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2010
"Stay tuned. (Graphic hybrid fantasy. 8-11)"
School lunch bites—literally—in the third impossibly droll escapade featuring dragonling Danny Dragonbreath and his peace-loving iguana buddy, Wendell.
Read full book review >
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2010
"A gem. (author's note) (Informational picture book. 5-8)"
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2010
"Love, belief and caring. (Fiction. 8-12)"
Mo mostly loves living on Fox Street, which has everything except foxes, girlfriends and her mom (who died when she was young).
Read full book review >
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2010
"More, please! (Early reader. 6-8)"
If James Marshall's George and Martha were not hippos and were both girls, they would be much like best friends Bink and Gollie in this charming early-reader series debut.
Read full book review >
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2010
"Understatedly tender and mystical yet solid; it ends in temporary peace, with sequel potential. (daily abbey schedule, glossary) (Historical fantasy. 9-12)"
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2010
Anyone who has said that pirates are an overused motif in youth literature has not yet met Walker Bean.
Read full book review >
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2010
"This account is like Kubla Khan himself—amazing. (author's and illustrator's notes, bibliography) (Picture book/biography. 5-12)"
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2010
"Stampler's touching note demonstrates this layered tale's openness to multiple interpretations. (author's note) (Picture book/folktale. 4-7)"
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2010
"Each carefully posed subject is a fascinating enigma. (author's note) (Historical fiction. 8-12)"
Set in 1905 Charleston, W.Va., this richly lyrical and historically persuasive coming-of-age story explores the ties that bind, break and renew an affluent African-American family.
Read full book review >
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 31, 2010
"O'Connor has spun a lovely read that perfectly captures the schemes and plans of school-age kids in the long days of summer. (Fiction. 8-11)"
"The short, sad life of Tooley Graham was over," doesn't sound like a happy conclusion but is pitch perfect in this short, simple and endearing middle-grade novel that follows on the heels of The Small Adeventure of Popeye and Elvis (2009).
Read full book review >
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 24, 2010
"The simple-but-expressive, cartoonish illustrations on textured paper and the delightfully clever design further distinguish this cheerful charmer. (Picture book. 4-8)"
A winsome gouache-and-pencil landscape sets the stage—a hilltop castle, a messenger on horseback, an escaped letter fluttering under the door of a humble cottage.
Read full book review >
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 3, 2010
"Archival photographs embellish the biographical notes at the end—a lovely touch. (bibliography, notes) (Informational picture book. 6-10)"
Appalachian Spring, the modern dance that celebrates the wedding of a Pioneer Woman and her Husbandman, is a brillantly conceived and enduring paean to American frontier life.
Read full book review >
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 1, 2010
"Roslyn Rutabaga is one darned determined—and adorable—bunny. (Picture book. 3-5)"
Roslyn Rutabaga wakes up one morning with a grand plan: She wants to dig the Biggest Hole on Earth.
Read full book review >
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 1, 2010
"The True Adventures of a Japanese Boy, by Rhoda Blumberg (2001). (historical note, extensive glossary, bibliography.) (Historical fiction. 9-13)"
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 1, 2010
"Initially perplexing and surreal, the narrative's juxtaposition of fantasy and reality eventually blends beautifully in the convincing conclusion. (Fiction. 10 & up)"
In this debut novel, two seemingly unrelated stories merge into a poignant journey from anger to acceptance.
Read full book review >
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 1, 2010
"The poems, though they employ some sophisticated vocabulary, are short and direct, a feature that will demonstrate to verse-averse young readers that poetry can be powerful and pleasurable without being too complicated or threatening. (Picture book/poetry. 4-10)"
A stunning combination of poems and illustrations celebrating some of Earth's wildest and most beautiful creatures.
Read full book review >
CHILDREN'S
Released: July 1, 2010
"Creepy details, quick quips and a wry, deadpan (pun absolutely intended) humor are sure to delight. (Graphic fiction. 9-12)"
As an agent for the Supernatural Immigration Task Force, it is Frank Gallows's job to catch ghosts on Earth and send them back to the afterlife.
Read full book review >
CHILDREN'S
Released: July 1, 2010
"This spot-on depiction of twins celebrates individuality. (Early reader. 6-9)"
CHILDREN'S
Released: July 1, 2010
"Charming and thoughtful. (Fiction. 9-12)"
Those who might be tempted to dismiss this heavily illustrated saga of middle-school angst and family upheaval as a Wimpy Kid knock-off will miss an engaging, original heroine, a satisfying story and lots of great pictures.
Read full book review >
CHILDREN'S
Released: July 1, 2010
"An unusual yet entirely appropriate introduction to the famed hermit—and the other residents of Walden Pond. (source notes with quotes from Walden) (Alphabet book. 10 & up)"
This elegant alphabet book brilliantly conveys the essence of 19th-century American author, naturalist and philosopher Henry David Thoreau's solitary sojourn at Walden Pond.
Read full book review >
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 22, 2010
"You will be SPHDZ! (Multi-platform science fiction. 7-12)"
P.S. 858 fifth grader Michael K. had hoped for a normal first day in his new school, but what he gets is crazy-weird.
Read full book review >
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 8, 2010
"An outstanding achievement. (Fiction. 9-12)"
Funny and deeply affecting, this novel by the Steptoe Award winner for Brendan Buckley's Universe and Everything in It (2007) revisits the still largely unexplored world of multiracial heritage.
Read full book review >
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 8, 2010
"Stunning in their simplicity, these pictures speak a thousand words. (Picture book. 3-7)"
When unflappable Beaver accidentally lands in the big city, he encounters challenges finding his way home.
Read full book review >
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 8, 2010
"The image of a happy dog treading water with a frog on his head says it all. (Picture book. 3 & up)"
In Willems's latest, a departure from his urban sensibility as well as his first book as solely the author, a dog from the city explores new territory when he moves to the country and befriends a frog.
Read full book review >